A Gentleman for Dry Creek. Janet Tronstad

will be six weeks from now,” the judge said. He peered over his glasses at Sylvia. “I know how you feel about these kids. We’ve covered that ground before. I don’t need to tell you how important it is that they are back here for court.”

      “I know.” Sylvia felt the rubber band inside of her relax.

      “And get them out to that ranch in Montana as soon as you can,” the judge said as he stood. He then turned and left the room.

      “Thank you.” Sylvia turned to Garth. “I can’t thank you enough.”

      “Well, jail is no place for kids,” Garth muttered.

      “And you—” Sylvia turned to Glory.

      Glory just smiled. “I’d best get back to work.”

      Sylvia looked more closely at her friend. Glory looked different. Her auburn hair was loose and flowing, instead of pulled back. But that wasn’t everything. Then Sylvia realized what it was. Glory was happy. Beaming, in fact.

      “Have a nice evening last night?” Sylvia asked cautiously. Yesterday, when she’d talked to Glory about her date with Matthew Curtis, Glory had been grim.

      “Mmm-hmm,” Glory said, lifting her hand to sweep back her hair.

      “A diamond!” Sylvia saw what her friend was flaunting. “You’re engaged!”

      Glory laughed with glee and nodded.

      “Oh, my!” Sylvia reached up and hugged her friend. “Congratulations!”

      “Finally,” Garth muttered. “Glad to see he had the nerve.”

      “Nerve?” Glory looked over at Garth, puzzled. “Why would he need nerve?”

      Garth snorted. That’s how much women knew about the whole business.